Criteria Document - Rechargeable Batteries - Version 5.0

Nordic Ecolabelling for
Rechargeable batteries and portable chargers
Version 5.0 • 15 June 2018 – 30 June 2023

Contents
What are Nordic Swan Ecolabelled rechargeable batteries and portable chargers? 4
Why choose the Nordic Swan Ecolabel? 4
What can carry the Nordic Swan Ecolabel? 5
How to apply 6
1 Production and product description 7
2 Resources 7
3 Corporate Social Responsibility 9
4 Packaging and information 10
5 Electrical testing 11
6 Safety 13
7 Quality of the battery charger 13
8 Consumer information 14
9 Design of the portable charger 16
10 Requirements of the authorities and quality requirements 16
Regulations for the Nordic Ecolabelling of products 18
Follow-up inspections 18
History of the criteria 18
New criteria 18
Appendix 1 Description of the rechargeable battery/portable charger, material

composition and production
Appendix 2 Battery charger and portable charger
Appendix 3 List of critical raw materials
Appendix 4 Packaging
Appendix 5 Analysis and testing laboratories
030 Rechargeable batteries and portable chargers, version 5.0, 15 June 2018
Addresses
In 1989, the Nordic Council of Ministers decided to introduce a voluntary official ecolabel, the Nordic Swan Ecolabel. These
organisations/companies operate the Nordic Ecolabelling system on behalf of their own country’s government. For more
information, see the websites:
This document may

Denmark Iceland only be copied in its
Ecolabelling Denmark Ecolabelling Iceland entirety and without any
Fonden Dansk Standard Norræn Umhverfismerking
type of change.
Göteborg Plads 1 á Íslandi
DK-2150 Nordhavn Suδurlandsbraut 24 It may be quoted from
Tel: +45 72 300 450 IS-108 Reykjavik provided that Nordic
info@ecolabel.dk Tel: +354 591 20 00 Ecolabelling is stated
www.ecolabel.dk ust@ust.is as the source.
www.svanurinn.is
Finland Norway Sweden

Ecolabelling Finland Ecolabelling Norway Ecolabelling Sweden
Box 489 Henrik Ibsens gate 20 Box 38114
FI-00101 Helsingfors NO-0255 Oslo SE-100 64 Stockholm
Tel: +358 9 61 22 50 00 Tel: +47 24 14 46 00 Tel: +46 8 55 55 24 00
joutsen@ecolabel.fi info@svanemerket.no info@svanen.se
www.ecolabel.fi www.svanemerket.no www.svanen.se
Rechargeable batteries and portable chargers 3 (31)

Nordic Ecolabelling 030/5.0 15 June 2018
What are Nordic Swan Ecolabelled rechargeable

batteries and portable chargers?
Nordic Swan Ecolabelled rechargeable batteries and portable chargers live up to
recognised quality and safety standards, placing them among the best in the
market. Strict requirements apply to the information provided to the consumer.
Both of these aspects are intended to ensure that the battery or portable charger
will need to be replaced less frequently, thereby “saving” the environment the
burden of more batteries than necessary. Portable chargers are designed in such
a way that dismantling is possible. The content of lead, cadmium and mercury is
lower than the levels stipulated by the authorities in their requirements. The
plastic and metals used in the casings of both battery chargers and portable
chargers must fulfil strict requirements regarding chlorinated plastic, flame-
retardants and types of metals.
Producers of batteries and portable chargers must demonstrate good corporate

social responsibility regarding the sourcing of conflict minerals, as well as critical
raw materials and working conditions.
Nordic Swan Ecolabelled rechargeable batteries and portable chargers:
• Meet stringent requirements for both battery capacity and durability – to

ensure a long lifetime for the battery and portable charger.
• Live up to recognised quality and safety standards – to ensure good and
safe consumer properties.
• Have a low content of mercury, cadmium and lead – to reduce the
spreading and use of metals.
• Meet a CSR policy – to ensure responsible use and sourcing of limited raw
materials and “conflict-free minerals.
Why choose the Nordic Swan Ecolabel?

• Licence holders may use the Nordic Swan Ecolabel trademark for
marketing. The Nordic Swan Ecolabel is a very well-known and well-
reputed trademark in the Nordic region.
• The Nordic Swan Ecolabel is a simple way of communicating
environmental work and commitment to customers.
• The Nordic Swan Ecolabel clarifies the most important environmental
impacts and thus shows how a company can cut emissions, resource
consumption and waste management.
• Environmentally suitable operations prepare rechargeable batteries and
portable chargers for future environmental legislation.
• Nordic Ecolabelling can be seen as providing a business with guidance on
the work of environmental improvements.
• The Nordic Swan Ecolabel not only covers environmental issues, but also
quality requirements, since the environment and quality often go hand in
hand. This means that a Nordic Swan Ecolabel licence can also be seen as
a mark of quality.

What can carry the Nordic Swan Ecolabel?

The product group comprises the following products:
Portable rechargeable batteries
Portable batteries that are rechargeable in accordance with the definition

provided in the European Union’s Battery Directive, 2006/66/EC.
Rechargeable batteries sold together with, or as accessories/parts for, electrical

appliances, e.g. cordless power tools, can also be Nordic Swan Ecolabelled (only
the batteries). However, the battery must be designed to be replaced and charged
in a separate charger. The Nordic Swan Ecolabel can´t be used on the packaging
of the combination products (e.g. power tool + batteries). Use of the Nordic Swan
Ecolabel, see requirement O14.
Rechargeable batteries sold in combination packs with external battery chargers

are also eligible for a Nordic Swan Ecolabel. It must be made clear to the
purchaser of combination packs of this type that the Nordic Swan Ecolabel
applies solely to the batteries and not to the charger, or to other elements of the
package.
The following batteries and electrical appliances cannot be Nordic Swan

Ecolabelled according to these criteria:
• Car batteries and industrial batteries.

• Primary (non-rechargeable) batteries, for which separate criteria exist.
• Batteries that are built into or form a permanent part of electronic
products and where replacement of the batteries is not possible. Portable
chargers (portable power banks) are exempt from this requirement, see
below.
• Batteries that are built into or form a permanent part of electronic
products and where the entire product is placed in a charger.
• Chargers sold for rechargeable batteries alone.
Portable chargers
A portable charger or “portable power bank” is defined as any portable energy-

storage device containing secondary batteries with charging circuitry, and which
is used to charge portable consumer electronic devices via DC output. Portable
chargers with built-in solar panels can also be Nordic Swan Ecolabelled.
The following products do not fall within the above definition of portable
chargers: products with AC input, products with jump starter functions, higher-
capacity power packs intended for charging high-power industrial devices, and
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems.

How to apply
Application and costs
For information about the application process and fees for this product group,
please refer to the respective national web site. For addresses see first in this
document.
What is required?
The application must consist of an application form/web form and documentation
showing that the requirements are fulfilled.
All product types and brands shall be listed in the application.
Each requirement is marked with the letter O (obligatory requirement) and a

number. All requirements must be fulfilled to be awarded a licence.
The text describes how the applicant shall demonstrate fulfilment of each
requirement. There are also icons in the text to make this clearer. These icons
are:
 Enclose
Requirement checked on site
All information submitted to Nordic Swan Ecolabelling is treated confidentially.

Suppliers can send documentation directly to Nordic Ecolabelling, and this will
also be treated confidentially.
License validity
The Nordic Swan Ecolabel licence is valid providing the criteria are fulfilled and
until the criteria expire. The validity period of the criteria may be extended or
adjusted, in which case the licence is automatically extended and the licensee
informed.
Revised criteria shall be published at least one year prior to the expiry of the
present criteria. The licensee is then offered the opportunity to renew their
licence.
On-site inspection
In connection with handling of the application, Nordic Swan Ecolabelling
normally performs an on-site inspection to ensure adherence to the requirements.
For such an inspection, data used for calculations, original copies of submitted
certificates, test records, purchase statistics, and similar documents that support
the application must be available for examination.
Queries
Please contact Nordic Ecolabelling if you have any queries or require further
information. See first in this document for addresses. Further information and
assistance (such as calculation sheets or electronic application help) may be
available. Visit the relevant national website for further information.

1 Production and product description

O1 Description of the product
The applicant must submit the following information about the product(s):
• Brand and trading name(s).
• Name and contact details of production location(s) for the manufacture and
brand owners(s) of batteries and/or portable chargers.
• Description of the product(s) (detailing all constituent substances present in
the battery/portable charger; metals, other solid substances and liquid
chemical substances) in the application (weight %).
• Description of raw materials used in the casing of the battery charger or the
portable charger.
• Description of materials used in the primary packaging. Primary packaging:
refers to the purchase packaging for the consumer, e.g. the packaging that
holds 4 batteries or one portable charger, and which the consumer
encounters in sales.
• Description of the manufacturing process for the product. Nordic Ecolabelling
wants a general description of the battery/portable charger manufacturing
process and which technology that is being used to produce the
batteries/portable chargers. A flow chart is recommended to explain the
production process.
 Description of the above points. Appendix 1 may be used. A flow chart is
recommended to explain the production process.
2 Resources
O2 Metal content of batteries
The metal content of the battery may not exceed the following limits:
Metal Content
Mercury < 0.1 ppm
Cadmium < 5.0 ppm
Lead < 5.0 ppm
It should be noted that the EU’s Battery Directive 2006/66/EC permits a

maximum cadmium content of 20 ppm and a maximum mercury content of 5
ppm. The test laboratory may need special equipment in order to test batteries for
a mercury content of < 0.1 ppm.
At least four examples of the product in question must be analysed and all four
must meet the requirement.
The metal content of the batteries must be analysed in accordance with “Battery
Industry Standard Analytical Method. For the determination of Mercury,
Cadmium and Lead in Alkaline Manganese Cells Using AAS, ICP-AES and
“Cold Vapour”. European Portable Battery Association (EPBA), Battery
Association of Japan (BAJ), and National Electrical Manufacturers Association
(NEMA; USA). April 1998”.
Similar test methods may be approved if assessed and adjudged to be equivalent
to the recommended method by an independent third party.
 Report from the analysis body showing the metal content of the batteries.

 Declaration confirming that the institution performing the analysis is impartial

and fulfils the general requirements applicable to test laboratories, as described
in the requirements applicable to the analysis laboratory/test institutions in
appendix 5.
O3 Requirements applicable to plastic and metal in the casing of the battery

charger and in the outer casing/container that encircles the batteries/cells in
the portable charger
The requirement solely applies to plastic and metal in the casing of the battery
charger and the outer casing that encircles the batteries/cells in the portable
charger. The requirement does not apply to the battery, the casing encircling the
battery/cell itself, circuit/PCBs, wires or USB/charge ports.
The plastic or metal in the casing of the battery charger and the outer casing
that encircles the batteries/cells in the portable charger must fulfil the following
requirements:
Plastic:
• Plastic parts covering a surface > 200 mm2 in the casing must be labelled in
accordance with ISO 11469.
• The plastic may not be chlorinated plastic.
• Cadmium and lead must not be actively added to the plastic in the casing.
• Chloro-paraffins must not be actively added to the plastic in the casing.
• The following flame retardants must not be added to the plastic in the casing:
a) Hexabromocyclodecane (HBCDD), tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBP-A) and
tris(2-chloroethyl)phosphate (TCEP).
b) Other halogenated organic flame retardants and flame retardants that
have been given one or several of the following risk phrases may not be
added:
• H350
• H350i
• H340
• H360D
• H360F
• H360Df
• H360Fd
Metal:
The following metals may not be actively added to the casing in the battery
charger and the outer casing that encircles the batteries/cells in the portable
charger:
Lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), chromium VI (CrVI), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co),
antimony (Sb), zinc (Zn,), copper (Cu) or nickel (Ni).
Exception: Steel is allowed to be used in the base panel that holds the
USB/charge ports in portable chargers, but only if the steel is coated/laminated
or covered with e.g. plastic.
 Documentation showing that the casing is labelled in accordance with ISO
11469.
 Declaration from the manufacturer of the battery charger or portable charger
that the requirement is fulfilled. Appendix 2 may be used.

O4 Battery charger, battery sizes

This requirement applies solely to chargers for rechargeable batteries of the
following sizes: AAA: HR03, AA: HR6, C: HR14, D: HR20, 9V: HR 22.
If the rechargeable batteries are sold together with a charger, the charger must
be suitable for use with a minimum of two battery sizes.
 Declaration from the licensee that the charger can be used for charging a
minimum of two battery sizes. Appendix 2 may be used.
 A description/documentation of the charger confirming this must be attached.
3 Corporate Social Responsibility

O5 Sourcing of “conflict-free” minerals
The licensee must have a public conflict minerals policy and support the
responsible sourcing of tin, tantalum, tungsten, gold, cobalt and their ores from
conflict-affected and high-risk areas by:
a) Conducting due diligence in line with the OECD Due Diligence
Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-
Affected and High-Risk Areas 1; and
b) Promoting responsible mineral production and trade within conflict-
affected and high-risk areas for the identified minerals, as used in
components of the products and in accordance with OECD guidance.
 The licensee shall provide a copy of their conflict mineral policy.
 The licensee shall describe their due diligence activities along the supply chain
for the five minerals identified.
O6 Sourcing of critical raw materials

The licensee must have a policy for the use of raw materials included in the
EU’s list of critical raw materials 2 in batteries, battery chargers and portable
chargers. The list of critical raw materials can be found in appendix 3.
The policy must describe how the licensee works actively:
- to phase out the use of critical raw materials in the long term
- to recycle critical raw materials in the batteries
- support recycling programs for collecting used batteries
- minimize the use of critical raw materials in the future.
 The licensee must submit a written policy that describes how the licensee work
actively to phase out/recycle any critical raw materials in batteries, support
recycling programs for collecting used batteries and minimizes the use of critical
raw materials in the future.
O7 Working conditions
The licensee must have a written Code of Conduct that explains how the
licensee ensures compliance with the following UN conventions and the UN
Global Compact at component, battery, battery charger and portable charger
suppliers:
• The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, Article 32.
• The UN Declaration (61/295) on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
1 http://www.oecd.org/corporate/mne/mining.htm
2 http://ec.europa.eu/growth/sectors/raw-materials/specific-interest/critical_en

The UN's: Global Compact 3, which comprises the following ten principles:
1. Businesses should support and respect the protection of internationally
proclaimed human rights.
2. Make sure that they are not complicit in human rights abuses.
3. Businesses should uphold the freedom of association and the effective
recognition of the right to collective bargaining (ILO Conventions 87 and 98).
4. The elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labour; (ILO
Conventions 29 and 105).
5. The effective abolition of child labour (ILO Conventions 138 and 182).
6. The elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation
(ILO Conventions 100 and 111).
7. Businesses should support a precautionary approach to environmental
challenges.
8. Undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility.
9. Encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly
technologies.
10. Businesses should work against corruption in all its forms, including
extortion and bribery.
The licensee must ensure that all suppliers are familiar with and comply with
the Code of Conduct.
If components, batteries, battery chargers and portable chargers are produced in
countries in which these conventions are incorporated as part of the requirements
of the authorities, no further documentation will be required beyond the signed
application form for a licence for Nordic Ecolabelling.
 Licensees must submit a written Code of Conduct that explains how the licensee
ensures that its suppliers comply with the requirements of the UN conventions
and the UN Global Compact.
 A description of how the licensee's Code of Conduct is communicated to all of its
suppliers.
4 Packaging and information

Primary packaging: refers to the purchase packaging for the consumer, e.g. the
packaging that holds four batteries or one portable charger, and which the
consumer encounters in sales.
Secondary packaging: refers to the transport packaging and protects the packs of
batteries and portable chargers during transport to stores and consumers.
O8 Packaging
The total proportion of post-consumer recycled material in the primary
packaging for the batteries/portable charger must be at least 80% by weight.
Chlorine-based plastic must not be used in primary and secondary product
packaging.
The primary packaging must be designed in such a way that dismantling is
possible for all individually parts for waste sorting (e.g. cardboard, paper,
plastic, metal) without using any tools.
3 http://www.unglobalcompact.org

Post-consumer material is defined in accordance with ISO 14021: "Post-

consumer/commercial" is defined as material created by households or
commercial, industrial or institutional facilities in the role of end users of a
product, which can no longer be used for the intended purpose. This includes
return of material from the distribution chain.
 Description of the primary and secondary product packaging. Declaration from
the manufacturer of the battery/portable charger or brand owner(s) showing
that the requirement is fulfilled. Appendix 4 may be used.
 Documentation from packaging suppliers showing the proportion of post-
consumer recycled material in their products.
 Statement from the manufacturer of the battery/portable charger showing that
the total proportion of post-consumer recycled material in the primary
packaging exceeds 80% weight. Appendix 4 may be used.
5 Electrical testing
O9 Electrical testing
Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries and cells:
Battery capacity
The battery or cell capacity must be measured in accordance with paragraph
7.3.2 “Discharge performance at 20°C (rated capacity)” of IEC 61951-2:2017. The
rated capacity (C) thereby determined must be at least as high as the nominal
capacity (N) indicated on the battery and in the product documents.
The test must be carried out on a minimum of three batteries, in accordance
with the sample size specified in IEC 61951-2:2017. All three tested
batteries/cells must meet the requirements.
Endurance in cycles
The cell must be tested in accordance with paragraph 7.5.1 “Endurance in
cycles” of IEC 61951-2:2017. The test must be carried out on a minimum of three
batteries, in accordance with the sample size specified in IEC 61951-2:2017.
The total number of cycles obtained when the test is completed shall be ≥ 75%
above the specific limit for cell types listed in paragraph 7.5.1 of IEC 61951-2. In
table 1 below are listed examples of requirements for minimum number of cycles
for cylindrical cells dimensionally interchangeable with primary batteries.
Table 1: Endurance in cycles for cylindrical cells dimensionally interchangeable with

primary batteries.
Type of cell Stated capacity Total number of cycles
LR 03 AAA < 800 mAh ≥ 350
LR 03 AAA ≥ 800 mAh ≥ 175
LR 06 AA < 2100 mAh ≥ 350
LR 06 AA ≥ 2100 mAh ≥ 175
LR 14 C - ≥ 350
LR 20 D - ≥ 350
Leakage
During testing, no leakage may occur.

The requirements concerning test laboratories and test instructions for capacity
and endurance in cycles are stated in Appendix 5.
Li-ion/LiP batteries and cells:
Battery capacity
The battery capacity must be measured in accordance with paragraph 7.3
“Discharge performance at 20°C (rated capacity)” of IEC 61960-3:2017. The
rated capacity (C) thus determined must be at least as high as the nominal
capacity (N) indicated on the battery and in the product documents.
The test must be carried out on a minimum of three batteries, in accordance
with the sample size specified in IEC 61960-3:2017. All three tested
batteries/cells must meet the requirements.
Endurance in cycles
The battery or cell must be tested in accordance with paragraph 7.6 “Endurance
in cycles” of IEC 61960-3:2017. The test must be carried out on a minimum of
three batteries, in accordance with the sample size specified in IEC 61960-
3:2017.
The total number of cycles obtained when the test is completed shall be≥ 75%
above the specific limit for cell types listed in cells dimensionally paragraph 7.6
of IEC 61960-3:2017.
In table 2 below are listed examples of requirements for minimum number of
cycles for secondary lithium cells and batteries.
Table 2: Endurance in cycles at a rate of 0,2 ItA

Parameter Reference Number of cycles Number of cycles
paragraph - cells - batteries
Endurance in 7.6.2 ≥ 700 ≥ 525
cycles at a rate of
0,2 ItA
In order to accelerate the test, the following alternative procedures may be

carried out; “Endurance in cycles at a rate of 0,5 ItA (accelerated test)”. The test
instructions are stated in appendix 5.
The tested cells/batteries must meet the requirements stated in table 3.
Table 3: Endurance in cycles at a rate of 0,5 ItA (accelerated test

Parameter Reference Number of cycles Number of cycles
Endurance in 7.6.3 60% C5 Ah 60% C5 Ah
cycles at a rate of
0,5 ItA
(accelerated)
Leakage
During testing, no leakage may occur.
The requirements concerning test laboratories and test instructions for capacity
and endurance in cycles are stated in Appendix 5.
 Complete test report, including information that no leakage has occurred during
testing.
 Documentation showing that the test laboratory fulfil the requirement stated in
Appendix 5.

O10 Charged battery

The requirement solely applies to Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH batteries) and
cells.
The battery must be fully charged when it leaves the production site.
Fully charged is defined as minimum 85% electrical stored capacity (SOC).
 A declaration confirming that the battery is fully charged when leaving the
production site for delivery to customers/brand owners. Appendix 1 may be used.
6 Safety
O11 Battery safety
The requirement applies to both batteries and batteries used in portable chargers.
NiMH batteries/cells:
The battery must fulfil the testing requirements in IEC 62133-1.
Lithium-ion/lithium polymer batteries/cells:
The batteries must fulfil the testing requirements in IEC 62133-2.
The requirements concerning test laboratories are stated in Appendix 5.
 Complete test report.
Appendix 5.
O12 Portable charger safety

Portable chargers (power banks) must be tested and comply with IEC 60950-
1:2005+A1:2009+A2:2013 (Information technology equipment – Safety – Part 1:
General requirements).
The requirements concerning testing laboratories are stated in Appendix 5.
Appendix 5.
7 Quality of the battery charger

O13 Quality of the battery charger
If the rechargeable batteries are sold together with a charger, the charger must
fulfil the following requirements:
Testing of the charger: the quality of the charger must be tested by a testing
laboratory that is impartial and fulfils the general requirements applicable to
the test institutions provided for in the “Analysis laboratory/test institution”
chapter in appendix 5.
C = The maximum capacity (expressed as mAh) specified on the batteries that
the charger is sold with.
The reference charge is defined as a constant charge at 1C, cut off at –ΔV = 5
mV/cell.
Discharge to the cut-off requirement of 1 V/cell.

The resting time is set at 20 minutes between each cycle of charge/discharge and
discharge/charge.
Condition of battery and termination of charged capacity at 7 cycles:
Cycle 1 Residual Discharge C/5
Cycle 2-5 Conditioning 1C
Cycle 6 Determining reference charge 1C
Cycle 7 Charging of battery in charger
Cycles 1-6 to be performed in equipment for testing rechargeable batteries.
The charging phase is registered in cycles 6 and 7 to determine the charged
capacity for the reference charger and the test charger.
After 7 cycles the average trickle charge and no-load current for the charger are
measured.
The measurement must produce the following results:
• The charger must automatically stop charging when the battery is fully
charged. Fully charged is defined as a reference charge with a cut-off of –ΔV
= 5 mV + 10%.
• The maximum trickle charge current must on average be < C/20, based on
the lowest battery capacity that the charger is recommended to charge by the
dealer.
• The maximum no-load current must on average be < C/50, based on the
lowest battery capacity that the charger is recommended to charge by the
dealer.
The requirements concerning test laboratories are stated in Appendix 5.
Appendix 5.
8 Consumer information
O14 Consumer information on the battery and portable charger
Battery:
The battery (or battery pack) must be marked in accordance with IEC 61951-2
(NiMH) or IEC 61960-3 (Lithium).
The batteries must carry a clear indication of their capacity, in accordance with
the requirements applicable to capacity labelling provided for in the EU’s
Battery Directive 2006/66/EC and regulation (EU) 1103/2010 on the capacity
marking of portable rechargeable batteries.
“Clear indication” means that the capacity labelling shall be expressed in terms
of a unit (mAh) and that other numerical markings on the battery must not be
such that the customer is likely to be misled into thinking that they represent the
capacity labelling.
Use of the Nordic Swan Ecolabel according to “guidelines for using the Nordic
Swan Ecolabel” 4.
4 http://www.nordic-ecolabel.org/certification/graphical-guidelines/

Use of the Nordic Swan Ecolabel on rechargeable batteries sold/marked together

with electrical appliances, e.g. cordless power tools: The Nordic Swan Ecolabel
must be used in a way so there is no doubt that the Nordic Swan Ecolabel
applies solely to the batteries and not to the electrical appliances or to other
elements of the package.
Portable charger:
Portable chargers must be supplied with the following safety information:
a) Minimum instructions for use as specified below:
o The portable charger (power bank) will generate heat when
charging. Always charge in a well-ventilated area. Do not charge
under pillows, blankets or on flammable surfaces.
o Keep the portable charger away from heat sources, direct
sunlight, combustible gas, humidity, water or other liquids.
o Do not dismantle, open, microwave, incinerate, paint or insert
foreign objects into the portable charger.
o Do not subject the power bank to mechanical shock such as
crushing, bending, puncturing or shredding. Avoid dropping or
placing heavy objects on the portable charger.
o Do not short-circuit the portable charger or store it in a
receptacle where it may be short-circuited by other metallic or
conductive objects.
o Do not operate the portable charger if it has been wet or
otherwise damaged, so as to avoid electric shock, explosion
and/or injury. Contact the dealer or authorised agent.
o Portable charger usage by children should be supervised.
o Please read the operating instructions (including charging
instructions and information on the minimum and maximum
operating temperatures) supplied with this portable charger.
b) Instructions on how to charge the portable charger.
c) Information on the minimum and maximum operating temperatures for
the portable charger.
 A sample of the information provided on the battery.
 Rechargeable batteries sold/marked together with electrical appliances: A
sample of the battery in combination with the electrical appliances, showing
that the use and placement of the logo assure that there is no doubt that the
Nordic Swan Ecolabel applies solely to the battery.
 A sample of the safety information supplied with the portable charger.

9 Design of the portable charger

O15 Recyclable design of the portable charger
The portable charger must be designed in such a way that dismantling is
possible. The requirement consists of the following individual requirements:
• A qualified professional, working alone, must be able to dismantle the
product.
• It must be possible to separate the substances, preparations and components
listed in ANNEX VII of the WEEE Directive (2012/19/EU).
• It must be possible to remove the secondary batteries/cells for recycling
purposes.
• The battery/cell chemicals must be prevented from leaking during the

removal.
 Declaration from the manufacturer of the portable charger showing that the
requirements are met. Appendix 2 may be used.
10 Requirements of the authorities and quality

requirements
To ensure that Nordic Ecolabelling requirements are fulfilled, the following
procedures must be implemented.
O16 Responsible person and organisation

The company shall appoint individuals who are responsible for ensuring the
fulfilment of the Nordic Ecolabelling requirements, for marketing and for
finance, as well as a contact person for communication with Nordic Ecolabelling.
 Organisational chart showing who is responsible for the above.
O17 Documentation
The licensee must archive the documentation that is sent in with the
application, or in a similar way maintain information in the Nordic Ecolabelling
data system.
To be checked on site as necessary.
O18 Quality of rechargeable batteries and portable charger

The licensee must guarantee that the quality of the Nordic Swan Ecolabelled
product does not deteriorate during the term of validity of the licence.
 Procedures for archiving claims and, where necessary, dealing with claims and
complaints regarding the quality of the Nordic Swan Ecolabelled rechargeable
batteries and portable chargers.
The claims archive is checked on site.
O19 Planned changes

Written notice must be given to Nordic Ecolabelling of planned changes in
products and markets that have a bearing on Nordic Ecolabelling requirements.
 Procedures detailing how planned changes in products and markets are
handled.

O20 Unplanned nonconformities

Unplanned nonconformities that have a bearing on Nordic Ecolabelling
requirements must be reported to Nordic Ecolabelling in writing and
journalised.
 Procedures detailing how unplanned nonconformities are handled.
O21 Traceability
The licensee must be able to trace the Nordic Swan Ecolabelled rechargeable
batteries and portable chargers in production.
 Description of/procedures for the fulfilment of the requirement.
O22 Legislation and regulations

The licensee shall ensure compliance with all applicable local laws and
provisions at all production facilities for the Nordic Swan Ecolabelled product,
e.g. with regard to safety, the working environment, environmental legislation
and site-specific terms/permits.
 Duly signed application form.

Regulations for the Nordic Ecolabelling of products

When the Nordic Swan Ecolabel is used on products, the licence number shall be
included.
More information on graphical guidelines, regulations and fees can be found at

www.nordic-ecolabel.org/regulations/
Follow-up inspections
Nordic Ecolabelling may decide to check whether rechargeable batteries or
portable chargers fulfils Nordic Ecolabelling requirements during the licence
period. This may involve a site visit, random sampling or similar test.
The licence may be revoked if it is evident that rechargeable batteries or portable

chargers do not meet the requirements.
History of the criteria

Nordic Ecolabelling adopted version 5.0 of the criteria for rechargeable batteries
and portable chargers on 15. June 2018. The criteria are valid until 30. June
2023.
New criteria
As part of any future evaluation of the criteria, it will be relevant to consider the
following:
• The product definition – new types of rechargeable batteries.

• The possibility of imposing further requirements on constituent
substances, particularly heavy metals and the use of solvents in the
production of batteries.
• The possibility of imposing requirements concerning the sourcing of
conflict-free minerals and critical raw materials.
• Requirements for electrical testing – battery capacity, durability of the
battery and portable charger.
• Requirements concerning safety.

Terms and definitions

Term Explanation or definition
AC input Direct integrated plug to the power outlet. Designed for
“stationary” charging and therefore not portable.
Conflict-affected and high-risk areas Areas in a state of armed conflict, fragile post-conflict
areas, as well as areas witnessing weak or non-existing
governance and security, such as failed states. In these
areas, there are often widespread and systematic
violations of international law, including human rights
abuses.
DC output Direct current (DC) is the unidirectional flow of an
electrical charge. A battery is a good example of a DC
power supply.
DoD Depth of Discharge.
EEE Electrical and Electronic Equipment.
Li-ion Lithium-ion.
mAh or Ah Milliamp hours or amp hours: the amount of power
expected over time. The higher the number, the greater
the capacity. This is the electrical charge (current) that
passes through a specific circuit in one hour.
NiMH Nickel-metal hydride battery.
OECD Due Diligence Guidance for For more information:
Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals http://www.oecd.org/corporate/mne/mining.htm
from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk
Areas
PCB Printed circuit board.
Primary packaging Refers to the purchase packaging for the consumer, e.g.
the packaging that holds 4 batteries or one portable
charger, and what the consumer encounters in sales.
Secondary packaging Refers to the transport packaging and protects the packs
of batteries and portable chargers during transport to
stores and consumers.
SLI batteries Batteries used for vehicle starting, lighting and ignition
systems.
SOC SOC, short for electrical stored capacity in a rechargeable
cell or battery,
SWCNT Single-walled carbon nanotube.
UPS Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems.
USB ports A USB port is a standard cable connection interface for
e.g. personal computers and consumer electronics
devices. They can also supply electric power across the
cable to devices that require it.

WEEE Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment.

Wh-Watt hours A measure of electrical energy equivalent to power
consumption of one watt for one hour. A simple way to
determine the current delivered by the power bank is to
divide the watts by the voltage rating of the device.
Electrical power is measured in watts and power equals
the voltage multiplied by the current (amp).

Nordic Ecolabelling 030/5
Appendix 1 Description of the rechargeable

battery/portable charger, material
composition and production
Product:
Brand/trading name(s):
Name and contact details of

production location(s) for the
manufacture and brand owner(s) of
batteries and/or portable chargers:
For each battery type and portable charger, list the chemical composition, the
weight-% and function of each ingoing substance (detailing all constituent
substances present in the battery; metals, other solid substances and liquid
chemical substances) in the application: cathode-and anode ingredients,
electrolyte solutions, conductor-, separator- and container ingredients and other
materials.
Product name:
Cathode ingredients: Concentration of total weight-% Function:
Substance and CAS nr.:
Anode ingredients:
Electrolyte solutions:
Conductor:
Seperator:
Other ingredients:
Container:

Description of raw materials used in the casing of the battery charger or the
portable charger:
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Description of materials used in the primary packaging:
Primary packaging: refers to the purchase packaging for the consumer, e.g. the packaging
that holds 4 batteries or one portable charger, and which the consumer encounters in sales.
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Description of manufacturing process of the product:
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Charged battery (O10):
The requirement solely applies to Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH batteries) and cells.
I hereby declare that the battery is fully charged when it leaves the production
site.
Fully charged is defined as minimum 85% electrical stored capacity (SOC).
Applicant or manufactures signature:
Date: Company Name:
Responsible person: Responsible persons signature:

Appendix 2 Battery charger and portable charger
If you are applying for battery charger, fill in part A and part B below. If you are
applying for portable charger, fill in part A and part C below.
Name/type of battery charger or

portable charger:
Manufacturer of the battery charger or

portable charger:
A. Plastic and metal in the casing of the battery charger and

portable charger (O3):
The requirement solely applies to plastic and metal in the casing of the battery charger
and the outer casing that encircles the batteries/cells in the portable charger. The
requirement does not apply to the battery, the casing encircling the battery/cell itself,
circuit/PCBs, wires or USB/charge ports.
Plastic:
Does the casing of the battery charger or portable charger consist of plastic parts
covering a surface > 200 m2? Yes ☐ No ☐
If yes, is the plastic part labelled in accordance with ISO 11469? Yes ☐ No ☐
Does the plastic contain chlorinated plastic? Yes ☐ No ☐
Have cadmium and lead actively been added to the plastic in the
casing? Yes ☐ No ☐
Have chloro-paraffins actively been added to the plastic in the
casing? Yes ☐ No ☐
Have the following flame retardants been added to the plastic in the casing?
a) Hexabromocyclodecane (HBCDD), tetrabromobisphenol A

(TBBP-A) and tris(2-chloroethyl)phosphate (TCEP)? Yes ☐ No ☐
b) Other halogenated organic flame retardants and flame retardants that

have been given one or several of the following risk phrases may not be
added:
• H350
• H350i
• H340
• H360D
• H360F
• H360Df
• H360Fd

Metal:
Have the following metals actively been added to the plastic

in the casing: Lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), chromium VI (CrVI),
cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), antimony (Sb), zinc (Zn,),
copper (Cu) or nickel (Ni)? Yes ☐ No ☐
Exception: Steel is allowed to be used in the base panel that holds the USB/charge ports
in portable chargers, but only if the steel is coated/laminated or covered with e.g. plastic.
Manufacture of the battery charger or portable charger signature:
Date: Company Name:
B. Battery charger (O4)
The requirement applies solely to chargers for rechargeable batteries of the

following sizes: AAA: HR03, AA: HR6, C: HR14, D: HR20, 9V: HR 22.
I hereby declare that the charger is suitable for use with a minimum of two
battery sizes.
Manufacture of the battery charger signature:
Date: Company Name:
C. Recyclable design of the portable charger (O15)
The portable charger must be designed in such a way that dismantling is

possible.
I hereby declare that:

- A qualified professional, working alone, is able to dismantle the portable
charger.
- It is possible to separate the substances, preparations and components
according to ANNEX VII of the WEEE Directive (2012/19/EU).
- It is possible to remove the secondary batteries/cells for recycling purposes.
- The battery/cell chemicals are prevented from leaking during the removal
of the battery/cell(s).

Manufacturer of the portable charger signature:
Date: Company Name:

Appendix 3 List of critical raw materials 5

Raw materials Main global producers Main importers to the Import Substitution End-of-life
(average 2010-2014) EU (average 2010- reliance indexes recycling
2014) rate* EI/SR** input
rate***
Antimony China 87% China 90% 100% 0.91/0,93 28%
Vietnam 11% Vietnam 4%
Baryte China 44% China 53% 80% 0,93/0,94 1%

India 18% Morocco 37%
Turkey 7%
Morocco 10%
Beryllium USA 90% n/a n/a 6 0.99/0,99 0%
China 8%
Bismuth China 82% China 84% 100% 0,96/0,94 1%
Mexico 11%
Japan 7%
Borate Turkey 38% Turkey 98% 100% 1,0/1,0 0%
USA 23%
Argentina 12%
Cobalt DRC 64% Russia 91% 32% 1,0/1,0 0%
China 5% DRC 7%
Canada 5%
Coking coal China 54% USA 39% 63% 0,92/0,92 0%
Australia 15% Australia 36%
Russia 9%
USA 7%
Canada 8%
Russia 7%
Fluorspar China 64% Mexico 38% 70% 0.98/0,97 1%
(Fluorite) China 17%
Mexico 16% South Africa 15%
Namibia 12%
Mongolia 5%
Kenya 9%
Gallium 7 China 85% China 83% 34% 0,95/0,96 0%
USA 11%
Germany 7% Ukraine 9%
Kazakhstan 5% South Korea 8%
Germanium China 67% Chine 60% 64% 1,0/1,0 2%

Finland 11% Russia 17%
USA 16%
Canada 9%
USA 9%
Hafnium France 43% Canada 67% 9% 0,93/0,97 1%
USA 41% China 33%
Ukraine 8%
Russia 8%
5 EU list of 27 CRMs was published in the communication on the list of critical raw materials 2017:
http://ec.europa.eu/growth/sectors/raw-materials/specific-interest/critical_en
6 The EU import reliance cannot be calculated for the beryllium, as there is no production and trade for
beryllium ores and concentrates in the EU.
7 Gallium is a by-product; the best available data refer to production capacity, not to production as such.

Helium USA 73% USA 53% 96% 0,94/0,96 1%

Qatar 12% Algeria 29%
Qatar 8%
Algeria 10%
Russia 8%
Indium China 57% China 41% 0% 0,94/0,97 0%
South Korea 15% Kazakhstan 19%
Japan 10% South Korea11%
Hong Kong 8%
Magnesium China 87% China 94% 100% 0,91/0,91 9%
USA 5%
Natural graphite China 69% China 63% 99% 0,95/0,97 3%
Brazil 13%
India 12%
Norway 7%
Brazil 8%
Natural rubber Thailand 32% Indonesia 32% 100% 0,92/0,92 1%
Malaysia 20%
Indonesia 26%
Thailand 17%
Vietnam 8% Ivory Coast 12%
India 8%
Niobium Brazil 90% Brazil 71% 100% 0,91/0,94 0,3%
Canada 13%
Canada 10%
Phosphate rock China 44% Morocco 31% 88% 1,0/1,0 17%
Russia 18%
Morocco 13%
Syria 12%
USA 13% Algeria 12%
Phosphorus China 58% Kazakhstan 77% 100% 0,91/0,91 0%
China 14%
Vietnam 19%
Vietnam 8%
Kazakhstan 13%
USA 11%
Scandium China 66% Russia 67% 100% 0,91/0,95 0%

Kazakhstan 33%
Russia 26%
Ukraine 7%
Silicon metal China 61% Norway 35% 64% 0,99/0,99 0%

Brazil 18%
Brazil 9%
China 18%
Norway 7%
USA 6%
France 5%
Tantalum 8 Rwanda 31% Nigeria 81% 100% 0,94/0,95 1%

Rwanda 14%
DRC 19%
China 5%
Brazil 14%
8 Tantalum is covered by the Conflict Minerals Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2017/821) establishing a
Union system for supply chain due diligence to curtail opportunities for armed groups and security forces
to trade in tin, tantalum and tungsten, and their ores, and gold.

Tungsten 9 China 84% Russia 84% 44% 0,94/0,97 42%

Russia 4% Bolivia 5%
Vietnam 5%
Vanadium China 53% Russia 71% 84% 0,91/0,94 44%
China 13%
South Africa 25% South Africa
Russia 20%
Platinum Group South Africa 83% Switzerland 34% 99,6% 0,93/0,98 14%
Metals -Iridium, platinum,
rhodium, ruthenium South Africa 31%
Russia 46% USA 21%

-palladium
Russia 8%
Heavy Rare Earth China 95% China 40% 100% 0,96/0,89 8%

Elements USA 34%
Russia 25%
Light Rare Earth China 95% China 40% 100% 0,90/0,93 3%
Elements USA 34%
Russia 25%
9 Tungsten is covered by the Conflict Minerals Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2017/821) establishing a
Union system for supply chain due diligence to curtail opportunities for armed groups and security forces
to trade in tin, tantalum and tungsten, and their ores, and gold.

Appendix 4 Packaging
Name of the manufacturer of the

battery/portable charger or brand
owner:
Definitions:
Primary packaging: refers to the purchase packaging for the consumer, e.g. the packaging
that holds four batteries or one portable charger, and which the consumer encounters in
sales.
Secondary packaging: refers to the transport packaging and protects the packs of batteries
and portable chargers during transport to stores and consumers.
Post-consumer material is defined in accordance with ISO 14021: "Post-

consumer/commercial" is defined as material created by households or commercial,
industrial or institutional facilities in the role of end users of a product, which can no
longer be used for the intended purpose. This includes return of material from the
distribution chain.
Description of materials used in the primary and secondary product packaging:
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
I hereby declare that:
- the total proportion of post-consumer recycled material in the primary

packaging for the batteries is at least 80% by weight.
- chlorine-based plastic is not used in the primary and secondary product
packaging.
- the primary packaging is designed in such a way that dismantling is
possible for all individually parts for waste sorting (e.g. cardboard, paper,
plastic, metal) without using any tools.
Manufacturer or brand owner signature:
Date: Company Name:

Appendix 5 Analysis and testing laboratories

Testing of quality specifications must be performed by laboratories, which are
accredited to the current standard and fulfil the general requirements in the
standard EN ISO/IEC 17025 or have official GLP status. A non-accredited
laboratory may perform tests if the laboratory has applied for accreditation
according to the current testing method, but has not yet been granted approval,
or if accreditation is not available for the technical specification or proposed
standard. In such case, the laboratory must prove that it is an independent,
competent laboratory.
The manufacturer's analysis laboratory/test procedure may be approved for

analysis and testing if:
• Sampling and analysis are monitored by the authorities; or

• The manufacturer's quality assurance system covers analyses and
sampling and is certified to ISO 9001; or
• The manufacturer can demonstrate agreement between a first-time test
conducted at the manufacturer's own laboratory, and testing carried out in
parallel at an independent test institute, and the manufacturer takes
samples in accordance with a fixed sampling schedule.
Determination of battery endurance in cycles for NiMH batteries and cells

Preparation of the test
1. Determination of the rated capacity (C) in accordance with IEC 61951-2,
paragraph 7.3.2 “Discharge performance at 20°C (rated capacity)” at an
ambient temperature of 20 °C.
2. Determination or specification of the nominal capacity (N).
3. Prior to endurance in cycle test, the cell shall be discharged at a constant
current of 0,2 ItA, to a final voltage of 1,0 V.
Performance of the tests
1. Charge and discharge currents, ambient temperature and the respective

periods of rest must be carried out in accordance with IEC 61951-2,
paragraph 7.5.1 “Endurance in cycles”.
2. The tests must carried out on a minimum of three batteries, in accordance
with the sample size specified in IEC 61951-2. Each test must include at
least three batteries of each size and brand model. The highest capacity
value specified on the cell must be used for the purposes of testing.
3. All three batteries must meet the requirements listed therein.
Determination of endurance in cycles for Li-ion/LiP batteries and cells

Preparation of the test
1. Determination of the rated capacity (C) in accordance with IEC 61960-3,
paragraph 7.3.1 “Discharge performance at 20°C (rated capacity)” at an
ambient temperature of 20°C.
2. Determination or specification of the nominal capacity (N).
3. Prior to charging, the cell or battery shall be discharged at 20 °C ± 5° C at
a constant current of 0,2 ItA, down to a specified final voltage.

Performance of the tests
1. Charge and discharge currents, ambient temperature and the respective

periods of rest must be carried out in accordance with IEC 61960-3,
paragraph 7.6.2 “Endurance in cycles at a rate of 0.2 It A”.
2. The tests must be performed on a minimum of three batteries in
accordance with the sample size specified in IEC 61960-3. Each test must
include at least 3 batteries of each size and brand model. The highest
capacity value specified on the cell must be used for the purposes of
testing
3. All three batteries must meet the requirements listed therein.
Endurance in cycles at a rate of 0,5 ItA (accelerated test procedure)
In order to accelerate the test, the following alternative procedures may be

carried out as an alternative to above test “Endurance in cycles at a rate of 0.2 It
A”.
Table 4
Cycle number a Charge Stand in charged Discharge
condition h
A: 700 Method declared by the 0 to 1 0,5 ItA to final voltage
or manufacturer
B: 525
a
A: for cell, B: for batteries.
The remaining capacity measured according to step 1 to step 3 of paragraph 7.3.1
“Discharge performance at 20°C” when the test is completed shall be no less than
the requirement stated in the table below.
Table 5
Parameter Reference Amount of cycles Amount of cycles
Endurance in cycles 7.6.3 60% C5 Ah 60% C5 Ah
(accelerated)

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Nordic Ecolabelling for

Rechargeable batteries and portable chargers

Version 5.0 • 15 June 2018 – 30 June 2023

Appendix 1 Description of the rechargeable battery/portable charger, material

This document may

Finland Norway Sweden

Rechargeable batteries and portable chargers 3 (31)

What are Nordic Swan Ecolabelled rechargeable

Producers of batteries and portable chargers must demonstrate good corporate

Nordic Swan Ecolabelled rechargeable batteries and portable chargers:

• Meet stringent requirements for both battery capacity and durability – to

Why choose the Nordic Swan Ecolabel?

Rechargeable batteries and portable chargers 4 (20)

What can carry the Nordic Swan Ecolabel?

Portable rechargeable batteries

Portable batteries that are rechargeable in accordance with the definition

Rechargeable batteries sold together with, or as accessories/parts for, electrical

Rechargeable batteries sold in combination packs with external battery chargers

The following batteries and electrical appliances cannot be Nordic Swan

• Car batteries and industrial batteries.

A portable charger or “portable power bank” is defined as any portable energy-

Rechargeable batteries and portable chargers 5 (20)

All product types and brands shall be listed in the application.

Each requirement is marked with the letter O (obligatory requirement) and a

Requirement checked on site

All information submitted to Nordic Swan Ecolabelling is treated confidentially.

Rechargeable batteries and portable chargers 6 (20)

1 Production and product description

It should be noted that the EU’s Battery Directive 2006/66/EC permits a

Rechargeable batteries and portable chargers 7 (20)

 Declaration confirming that the institution performing the analysis is impartial

O3 Requirements applicable to plastic and metal in the casing of the battery

Rechargeable batteries and portable chargers 8 (20)

O4 Battery charger, battery sizes

3 Corporate Social Responsibility

O6 Sourcing of critical raw materials

Rechargeable batteries and portable chargers 9 (20)

4 Packaging and information

Rechargeable batteries and portable chargers 10 (20)

Post-consumer material is defined in accordance with ISO 14021: "Post-

Table 1: Endurance in cycles for cylindrical cells dimensionally interchangeable with

Rechargeable batteries and portable chargers 11 (20)

Table 2: Endurance in cycles at a rate of 0,2 ItA

In order to accelerate the test, the following alternative procedures may be

Table 3: Endurance in cycles at a rate of 0,5 ItA (accelerated test

Rechargeable batteries and portable chargers 12 (20)

O10 Charged battery

O12 Portable charger safety

7 Quality of the battery charger

Rechargeable batteries and portable chargers 13 (20)

Rechargeable batteries and portable chargers 14 (20)

Use of the Nordic Swan Ecolabel on rechargeable batteries sold/marked together

Rechargeable batteries and portable chargers 15 (20)

9 Design of the portable charger

• The battery/cell chemicals must be prevented from leaking during the

10 Requirements of the authorities and quality

O16 Responsible person and organisation

O18 Quality of rechargeable batteries and portable charger

The claims archive is checked on site.

O19 Planned changes

Rechargeable batteries and portable chargers 16 (20)

O20 Unplanned nonconformities

O22 Legislation and regulations

Rechargeable batteries and portable chargers 17 (20)